The Scarlet Field Of Can'-Ka No Rey
1
Sesshomaru did not return to Misha; he spent the night outside of the ruined castle watching the woods and the sky. Shortly after dawn Misha emerged from her room rubbing her tired eyes. Sesshomaru was relived to see that she was once more covered by her kimono. There was still a slight blush on her cheeks. She looked soft and lovely in the early light. Sesshomaru went to her, but kept some space between them for the moment. "How are you feeling this morning Misha?"
Misha bowed to Sesshomaru doing her best not to make direct eye contact with the demon. She was still flustered and confused about what had happened between them last night, but for now Misha just wanted to see Rin. She was sure Rin was safe, Sesshomaru would never leave her in danger, but the need to see the child was almost suffocating. The last time she saw Rin, Misha was dropping her from the sky into Sesshomaru's waiting arms. Misha wanted to see her, to check her over and make sure she was unharmed. "I am feeling much better thank you. Can we go back to Rin now?"
Sesshomaru could tell from her scent Misha was confused and she's still blushing embarrassed over what the demons had put her through, he included. He had been foolish to let himself get carried away with her like that. Surely her kami would not approve; Sesshomaru couldn't approve of his actions either. It was his duty to protect this woman and her purity; his actions last night were inappropriate for such a protector. He was quietly disturbed that he had been so taken with a mortal woman; an inferior human. Had Misha not been of significance to him, he might have let himself go, just to see what it was like. His father and brother seemed to enjoy mortal women, but Sesshomaru was not them and Misha meant more to him then that. He would not crush her beliefs just to satisfy his own curiosity.
He was glad that her mind was on Rin this morning. Perhaps Misha did not wish to discuss what had transpired between them after all. "If you are ready, we can return to Rin now."
Misha smiled at Sesshomaru, she couldn't help it. She wanted him to take her back to Rin. "Yes, let's get back to Rin."
2
Sesshomaru made haste getting them back to Rin and Jaken. He carried Misha who seemed to be fascinated that they were floating on some magical mist. Her innocent babble helped to keep his mind off the form he held against him.
They were to them before the morning got old. Jaken and Rin saw them coming and raced to meet them. Misha jumped away from Sesshomaru and ran to Rin. She dropped to her knees and the child ran into her open arms. There was hugging and kissing and crying. Jaken hurried to his side. He nodded at his green servant and returned his eyes to the females. He could smell how happy and relived they were to see each other.
Jaken had noticed Lord Sesshomaru was without his armor, his master seemed unharmed though. Misha was safe and the women were happy to be reunited. "Well done Lord Sesshomaru! You are so kind me lord. Just look at how happy young Rin is." The little ghoul was almost choked up. He did have quite the fondness for Rin, for the woman too he supposed.
Sesshomaru watched the humans. "How is Ahun?" He began to feel something as he watched Misha check Rin over for the eleventh time. It felt as though someone was pushing their hand through his chest.
"Ahun fares well today me lord. His wounds are mending quite well. He grazes in yonder field as we speak." Ahun's injures had looked worse then they were, the demon beast had recovered fast. Jaken looked at Sesshomaru again. What became of me lord's armor? He would never just discard such a thing.
Rin seemed to be gesturing to Sesshomaru, but she didn't let go of Misha. Sesshomaru watched as Misha picked the child up. Rin locked her legs around Misha's waist and clung tightly to her neck. They kept their faces close as they came over to Sesshomaru and Jaken. Rin peeked up at him and smiled.
Misha carried Rin close to Lord Sesshomaru. "Lord Sesshomaru!" she reached for him with one hand, but still held onto Misha with her other. Rin wanted to hug them both at the same time. She wanted to be sure that they were all really together again.
Sesshomaru could see what Rin wanted. He took a step closer so that she could hook her flailing arm around his neck. It brought him closer to Misha, but the woman didn't seem to mind. Her smiling face was buried in Rin's hair. Sesshomaru brought his hand up and patted Rin on the back. "See now Rin, everything is alright."
Rin tried not to squeeze the grown ups, but she was terribly excited. "Yes Lord Sesshomaru things are wonderful. I'm so very happy that you brought Misha back to us."
Jaken watched his master with the humans. Lord Sesshomaru was so kind, he even allowed Rin to hug at him. The humans were so lucky to have his master looking after them. "You humans should be most grateful to Lord Sesshomaru," Jaken tried to sound reprimanding, but he didn't really feel like scolding the humans right now. He looked up at Rin's huge smile. She had been terribly worried for Misha and had become most anxious and depressed after Lord Sesshomaru had left them to go fetch the woman. It was a relief to see that her smile had returned.
Rin squeezed the adults a little closer. "Yes, most grateful indeed. Thank you so much my lord!"
Sesshomaru patted Rin on the back a final time and stepped away from the females. He kept his attention on the child. "We are going to take another holiday Rin, how would that be? There is a place that I would like to show you."
Rin was instantly excited. Another vacation with Lord Sesshomaru and Misha! "Really my lord?"
Sesshomaru nodded. "Gather your things and fetch Ahun, Rin. We should be going."
"Yes my lord!" Rin squirmed out of Misha's arms and settled for holding the woman's hand. She pulled Misha along as she headed to fetch Ahun. "Right away Lord Sesshomaru!"
Jaken thought this a strange time to be taking a vacation, unless the other demons were already dead. He looked at his master again. It vexed him that Lord Sesshomaru was without his armor. "Lord Sesshomaru?"
Sesshomaru was watching the females walk away. "The demon Tomei is dead. Azuki and Odoku managed to escape. I will secure Rin and Misha and then go finish them off myself."
Jaken wondered what sort of battle he had missed. "You battled three demons me lord? What of your armor Lord Sesshomaru!"
Sesshomaru sighed. "Inuyasha is reckless when he's swinging that sword of his around. I will acquire something better."
Jaken understood that Lord Sesshomaru had mastered Tenseiga, the sword emitted a powerful shield around his master, but if his armor had not held up to the blast then the energy must have been incredible. Jaken understood something else as well. When Sesshomaru fought with these demons again, he wanted Rin and Misha away from the battle. He meant to take them to sanctuary even now. Jaken stood quietly by his master and wondered where they would possibly go.
3
Sesshomaru took them north and high into the mountains. They journeyed the rest of the morning, the women rode Ahun and Sesshomaru kept Jaken with him. The little ghoul seemed to love Sesshomaru's fur. Their destination came into view early that afternoon. A palace built into the mountain over looking a lake. It was beautiful, ancient; a place of many memories for Sesshomaru.
His companions were awed by the place, the huge rooms and marble floors. Sesshomaru left them briefly on their own to explore the place and settle in while he tended to the matter of his armor. He returned before the sun set and found his group in the gardens. The roses were overgrown and wild. Misha and Rin were having a great deal of fun identifying the various plants. Jaken seemed to relax seeing that Sesshomaru had replaced his armor.
When it started to get late, Misha led Rin to the room she had chosen for her; it was alongside of Misha's with a door that passed between them. The females had been fascinated by the furnishings in the palace. The beds were huge and draped with silk. The tables were all heavy wood or marble. This place and everything it was gorgeous and built to last an eternity. Misha sat on Rin's bed telling her a fairy story until the child fell asleep. She sat quietly watching her in the dim lamp light. When she was sure Rin was comfortably asleep, she kissed the child's forehead and went into her own room.
Misha was amazed by the room. There was a door to Rin's room, to the deck outside and one heading to the hall facing the room across from hers. The walls were lined with things that looked like the big wardrobe the actors had carried on their cart, but these were far more beautiful. A bed big enough for a giant was at the center of it all. She tiptoed through the room wondering who might have lived here. She went to one of the wardrobes and pulled open the door. Kimonos of silk and satin beautifully colored and designed. The clothes of a queen in this fairy castle. She stepped back and went to the door that lead outside. The doors in this place were sort of heavy, but she managed to push it open and step out onto the deck.
Her room came out to the head of the garden. It must have been quite beautiful once, but it looked as though this place had not been attended to in many long years. She wondered again what this place was and who had lived here. Beyond the garden the moon's reflection shimmered off the lake. Misha stepped down to the garden path. She just wanted to peek at the lake in the moonlight before she went to bed. She stopped suddenly and turned to her left. Sesshomaru was standing further down the deck. The door to the room across the hall from Misha's stood open to the garden. He had stepped outside the master's suite for some air. He was watching her quietly. "Sesshomaru, I did not see you there."
Sesshomaru had seen Misha come out to the deck and contemplate running off somewhere. He was glad he was standing here to deter her. He knew this place was safe, but he still didn't want her running off at night on her own. It was a dangerous habit. "Rin has gone to sleep?"
Misha nodded. She wouldn't be peeking at the lake tonight. She stepped back up onto the deck in front of her room. "Yes. All of the excitement wore her out. This place is amazing."
Sesshomaru looked away from Misha back out at the lake. "You and Rin will be safe here. I lived here for many years when I was a child." It was ironic to him that Rin now occupied the room where Sesshomaru had slept when he was still very small.
Misha was stunned. "This is your home Sesshomaru?"
"It was one of many." He wasn't sure he really wanted to talk about it. There wasn't much he wanted to recall from his childhood. It had been good when he had both of his parents, but after his mother died Sesshomaru's father had strayed.
Misha thought that maybe Sesshomaru didn't like the place, certainly not as much as she and Rin did. She could not understand why he would not like such a grand place as this. She took a couple of tentative steps toward him. "The gardens must have been very beautiful. So many roses."
"It was very beautiful." He looked back at the woman. She had come closer without showing any sings of anxiety, but she was still watching Sesshomaru closely. It was slightly unnerving. "Jaken and I are leaving in the morning. You and Rin are free to do as you please here while we are away."
Misha wasn't blind; she had noticed his new armor. He had brought them hear to keep her and Rin out of harms way. "You're going to go fight Azuki aren't you?" she couldn't keep the hate from her voice when she spoke the vile demon's name.
He was surprised to hear real malice in Misha's tone. "I am going to kill him and Odoku as well."
She didn't like the idea of Sesshomaru going off to fight. She was sure that he was strong enough to handle the bad guys, but she had seen the courtyard and the castle more closely in the daylight. The demons had destroyed the place in battle. "Sesshomaru…" she stopped and dropped her eyes. He would not listen to her; even if she asked him to stay he would not. The prince had brought her and Rin to the fairy castle, now it was time for him to charge into battle. In the stories Misha remembered, this was usually the part where the prince met his demise. Her heart ached at the thought.
He could sense Misha becoming distressed. She was worrying about him. It sat uncomfortably on his chest. He stepped closer to her to command her attention, but Misha didn't look up at him. "Misha, you do not need to worry about me."
"But I do worry about you Sesshomaru. How can I not? Rin loves you so very much and I…" she fell silent feeling a pain in her heart. Sesshomaru did not want her; he had left her last night. It did not matter if she had fallen in love with him, she and Sesshomaru would never be.
A woman's heart is soft, even words can break it. Or I guess in your case it would be the lack of words Sesshomaru could tell Misha was more then just worried, she was hurting. He knew that what he had done last night was wrong and he left her before things could get out of control, but… "Misha, you must be angry with me. My actions last night were highly inappropriate and I must apologize for..." he cut his well meaning apology short when the woman brought her eyes up to meet his.
"You do not need to apologize to me Sesshomaru; it is I that should seek your forgiveness for behaving so wickedly." The heat returned to her cheeks when she thought of them together.
Sesshomaru swallowed hard. "I thought that your goddess disapproved…"
Misha shook her head up and lifted some of her hair to show Sesshomaru where she had cut some of it off. "I can serve Artemis no longer." She let her arms fall back to her sides. "I must grow up and face my fate like a woman and I must do it on my own. I will be strong for Rin, I will be her mother."
Sesshomaru was surprised to hear that Misha had abandoned her kami. Her loyalty to Artemis had been absolute, so he thought. He immediately felt guilty. It must have been him, what he had done last night had forced her away from her kami. "Why would you abandon your kami now Misha?"
The blush in her cheeks deepened. "I cannot be such a child anymore Sesshomaru. Artemis is beloved and benevolent to the pure. I cannot serve her after what has been done to me … and with such wicked desires in my heart. Even though you do not want me Sesshomaru… I have found myself wanting you."
He stared down at her flushed cheeks in the moonlight. Misha spoke quietly, hiding her eyes from him. It was hard for her to admit such feelings and he valued her honesty, but it was hard for him to hear. Her faith hadn't been the only thing that had brought Sesshomaru to his senses last night; her mortality had also had a part in it. Misha was only human. …my view of mortals has not changed. Rin and Misha are exceptions to the rule.
He stepped closer to her smelling her scent become a mix of embarrassment and excitement. "Misha, you must understand," he tried to explain.
Misha was shaking her head before Sesshomaru could finish. "You do not need to explain, Sesshomaru. You are a god and I am a mortal. I am not good enough for you." Her heart ached at the thought, but at least she would always have the memory of their embrace.
He didn't like her speaking about herself as if she were that far beneath him. Neither Rin nor Misha were anything like other mortals. They rose above the filthy rabble of humanity like a star in the night sky. The lesson learned from reviving the females and looking after them had not been wasted on Sesshomaru either. He understood perfectly well what his father and his Tenseiga wanted from him and for him. … father's sword has given you the makings of a human family …"I'm a demon, not a god Misha. You shouldn't say such things."
But Misha thought she should. She would clear the air with Sesshomaru once and for all and get on with raising Rin. Whether he had really wanted her or not, it was him that had kissed her. "I am not angry that you do not want me Sesshomaru. I cannot blame you, I have been most troublesome. You have always been most kind to me, but there is something that I just do not understand. If you do not want me then … why did you kiss me … like that?" She thought about the way he had pulled her against him. She thought that he might want her to lay with him, but then he left rather suddenly. She lifted her eyes and looked at Sesshomaru. She was surprised to see how close he had come to her; his gold eyes were fixed on her. Her blush deepened and her heart sped up.
Why indeed…Misha's scent was changing, she was reacting to him again. He took a deep breath as he studied her flush face in the moonlight. Her scent was inviting and he took another step closer. "Because I wanted to." She seemed to startle a little. Sesshomaru reached over and stroked the hair away from Misha's wide eyes. Mortal or not… "…you should not think that I did not want you Misha. I had to leave you last night because I was a threat to your purity. I did not want to be responsible for making you sin against your kami again." He let his hand linger on her face, staring down into her wide eyes and breathing in her scent.
For just a second, Misha thought her hear stopped. She had been wrong; Sesshomaru had left her to protect her from their desire. Her mouth fell open in surprise. She knew that Sesshomaru didn't approve of the mixing of demons and mortals, for him to say that he wanted her was… "Sesshomaru…"
Sesshomaru stepped closer so that he and Misha were toe to toe. She was excited and nervous; her big eyes stared up at him. He wanted to hold her again, to pull her close and smell her. Misha wasn't just like no other mortal Sesshomaru had ever seen, he couldn't think of any species of woman that could compete with Misha's beauty. No woman had ever touched his heart or sparked his desire as Misha had either. It didn't matter if she was mortal or not, fate hade decided that Sesshomaru should love this woman. He stroked her smooth cheek. "Even now Misha, I should like to kiss you again."
Misha's heart thundered in her ears. She felt Sesshomaru's hand slide away from her face and drop past her shoulder "…kiss me…?" The demon slipped his arms around her and pulled her to him. The strength ran from Misha's legs and she leaned into Sesshomaru looking up into his eyes.
Sesshomaru could hear Misha's heart beating wildly in her chest as he held her against him. He liked the way it felt to hold her like this, to smell her excited emotions up close. He dropped his nose and sniffed at her neck. "And if I were to say that I wanted to do more then just kiss you Misha, would you run away from me?" he smelled her excitement deepen as he breathed the words against her ear.
Misha was weak kneed; her eyes rolled back and closed. Sesshomaru's breath was hot against her neck. She shuddered. "No Sesshomaru…"
He lifted his lips from her neck and brushed them softly against Misha's warm mouth. "Then you would give yourself to me Misha?" He kissed her deep and slow unable to resist her mouth anymore. He pressed her closer, feeling her feminine features crush against him. Her delicate arms wrapped around his neck; her finger tickled at his ear exciting him further. He wanted to feel her skin again, to take off the kimonos between them and feel her against his body. Her mouth remembered what Sesshomaru had taught it last night so he showed it a new trick. He eased Misha's lips apart with his own and sent his tongue lookin for hers.
Sesshomaru's kiss was exciting. She had never craved anything the way she craved his touch. She felt his tongue conquer her own and she melted into him. Being with him like this was like a dream. She felt the hand rubbing at her back fall lower and feel the curve of her hips. She sighed longingly into his mouth.
Misha's scent told Sesshomaru that the woman was his for the taking. Their kiss was passionate. He felt his own heart hammering hard in his chest. He wanted Misha out of her kimono and in his bed. Sesshomaru broke his mouth away from hers, he was panting slightly. Misha's chest heaved as she looked up at him. She was flush with passion. It made him want her all the more. Her excited scent fueled his desire. It was difficult to keep his mouth away from hers now that he had taught it how to how to kiss him.
Misha had never felt anything like this before. She didn't want Sesshomaru to stop kissing her. It looked like Sesshomaru wanted her too, and this time he wasn't running away. She let her fingers trace the hunter's stripes on his cheeks. "I am for you Sesshomaru," she sighed dreamily.
That was all he needed to hear. Sesshomaru lifted Misha off of her feet and backed them into the master's suite, kissing her again as he moved them. He kicked his shoes off as he eased Misha down onto the bed and got on top of her. He was eager to have her naked against him. Misha seemed just as impatient, her fingers worked to untie his armor.
His new armor hit the floor followed by his kimono. Sesshomaru kissed Misha's face and neck as he worked her kimono off and threw it on top of his disregarded clothing on the floor. He could feel her heart hammering in her chest as his hands explored the flesh he had exposed. The scent of her heat was intoxicating, maddening. He kept reminding himself to be careful with her delicate body, to go slowly and be easy with Misha. Her soft moans urged him onward. He had never taken a woman's virginity, but he was no where near as naive as the woman beneath him in bed. He didn't want to hurt her, he didn't want to spoil her, but his desire could not be contained.
Misha cried out in pain and lust as Sesshomaru took her purity. She gave it to him willingly, letting him guide her trembling body as they made love in the fairy tale bed. Sesshomaru was gentle, patient, loving. His kisses were soft and his touch set her body on fire. His breath against her neck became more jagged and he moved them faster. Misha thought she might just burst with desire and a second later she did. She lost her breath and dug her nails into Sesshomaru's back as her first orgasm swept through her body. "Se… Se…"
Sesshomaru felt Misha's desires peak and could hold back no longer. He was growling a little, nipping at her neck. He held Misha against him and let his passion break free. He was a bit more forceful with her, but her hungry moans told him that she didn't seem to mind. His senses were filled up with their desire and Sesshomaru surrendered himself to his lust. He felt the strength run out of body and he moaned as his own powerful climax subjugated his body and soul. .
When it was over Misha lay against Sesshomaru, wrapped up in his arms. The smell of their sex was like a heavy perfume in the room. Sesshomaru relaxed and let his eyes fall shut. He had never experienced anything so intense before, so moving. It was hard to believe that he had lost his heart to a mortal woman, harder to believe that he had just made love to her in his father's bed. The irony of it all pulled his lips into a slight smile.
Misha snuggled against Sesshomaru's chest and listened to him breath. She closed her eyes, Misha felt quite drained now that the adrenalin rush was wearing off. She tickled at his strong chest with her fingers. "You amaze me Sesshomaru," her voice had not lost its dreamy quality. Misha felt like she was floating.
Sesshomaru gave her a little squeeze and kissed the top of her head. "It is you that amazes me Misha."
She lifted her head and looked at him. Sesshomaru looked peaceful and content. He opened his eyes half way and looked at her. She thought he might be smiling and Misha smiled to. "I love you Sesshomaru, with all of my heart I do."
Sesshomaru almost did smile, he was certainly happy enough. He stroked her cheek with his fingers. "And I love you Misha. I want you to be with me always."
Misha had never felt such happiness. "Yes, always," she whispered and kissed him again.
4
Sesshomaru awoke before the sun could rise. His arm was around Misha, she snored softly beside him. The master's bed was big and comfortable. Misha's scent was serene. In the quiet he could hear Rin and Jaken snoring down the hall. Sesshomaru let himself come awake slowly. It was strange to feel so at peace in his old home. His father's presence was everywhere. Sesshomaru had most of childhood dreams in the bed where his young ward now slept. He slipped out of bed and into a silky robe.
Sesshomaru moved silently down the hall to the nursery. He opened the door and his eyes found Rin in the dim. He stood quietly watching her sleep. She looked very small sprawled out on the enormous bed. the makings of a human family. Sesshomaru could remember waking up to see his father standing in the doorway just like this watching him sleep. He had been happy then with mother and father. He was happy now with Rin and Misha. Sesshomaru had stepped into his fathers place after all. It did not matter if Rin was not of his making; she was his child all the same.
Rin would be safe here with Misha. The manor would keep them plenty occupied while he was away dealing with Azuki. Sesshomaru admittedly was a spoiled child. The nursery was a treasure trove of toys and games. Sesshomaru's forgotten childhood things would bring Rin much joy. It lightened his heart to think of Rin amongst the toys. She had already picked out three to share the bed with her. Sesshomaru recognized one of them. Of all the silly things it was a soft, stuffed frog. Rin held on to one of the frogs back legs in her sleep.
Down the hall he heard Misha roll over in her sleep. Her breathing had changed some, she would probably wake soon. The sky outside was beginning to brighten as dawn approached. He let his senses memorize every detail about the child then went back down the hall to the master's suite.
Misha had turned over onto her back. For now she was still peacefully asleep. Sesshomaru studied Misha's face in the soft light. He had no regrets about making her his woman. It didn't matter if Misha was mortal, his heart had chosen her. Misha was devoted and loving; his life with her would be a good one. Sesshomaru decided that when he returned from slaying the other dog demons he would live with Misha and Rin together as a family. There was no reason to hide his heart from them anymore.
Sesshomaru went out to stand on the deck and watch the sun break over the horizon. His mother's presence was strongest here in the garden. He remembered being the same height as some of the rose bushes. There were plants in here from all over the world. Misha would likely come to love and fuss over the garden as his mother did if they stayed here for a while. Sesshomaru thought they might. The horizon melted into the pinks of dawn. Sesshomaru watched birds take flight over the lake.
It was strange to be so at peace here. Sesshomaru hadn't come to this place in a very long time, since the time of his father. He wondered what his father would think of Sesshomaru's human family. And then there was his brother, what if he was to run into Inuyasha? They were both after the same demons, their paths could cross. What would little brother say about Sesshomaru's choice to make the humans his family?
There was noise behind him; Misha was getting up. A moment later he heard the rustle of a kimono and then footsteps. He turned a little to greet her. She had thrown his kimono on to cover herself before coming outside. It was huge on her; she held it closed with one hand barely peeking from the sleeve. He watched her as she came to stand at his side. "Good morning Misha."
"Good morning Sesshomaru." She leaned into him a little and felt him put an arm around her shoulder. Misha snuggled against Sesshomaru wrapping her arms around his waist. She had never felt happier in all her life then she did now.
Sesshomaru hugged Misha against him as they watched the sun coming up over the lake. Their scents were all over each other, he could smell where their bodies touched last night. After a while he said, "The manor and everything in it is yours to do as you please with. I was thinking of making this place our home for a while."
Misha wasn't sure how long Sesshomaru planned to settle them here, they never stayed in one place for too long, but the idea of living here was exciting. Sesshomaru said our home meaning all of them. Meaning, "'our home'?" She looked up at Sesshomaru.
He looked down into Misha's eyes. "We are a family now Misha; you and me and Rin. You are her mother and I am her father. You are my wife and the Lady of this estate." He watched her face light up in excitement.
His wife…Her breath caught in her throat for a minute. "Sesshomaru…" She brought a hand up and traced the hunter's stripes on his cheek. She smiled up at him. "Husband…"
It touched his heart to hear her address him in such a way. He hugged her against the length of his body and let his nose drop to her ear. Sesshomaru wasn't sure he could recall a time when he was happier then he was now. "You and Rin have filled my heart with such joy Misha."
Misha was happy enough to cry. "Our lives will be most happy Sesshomaru, I just know it! It will be," but before she could finish Sesshomaru was kissing her again.
5
Lord Sesshomaru collected Jaken and they departed before Rin could even wake up. Though Jaken's nose was not as keen as his masters, the little ghoul could still smell what his master had been up to with Misha last night, and again this morning too. Jaken chuckled quietly as he rode on Sesshomaru's fur, keeping his thoughts to himself.
By mid day they had returned to the territory where the last battle had taken place. From here Sesshomaru would follow the back trail of the demons he meant to kill. Though the scent was faint and growing old, Azuki's blood scent headed north. Sesshomaru pointed them north and followed the scent. Not long after catching Azuki's scent, Sesshomaru smelled his brother coming. Apparently Inuyasha had the same idea about following the scent of the demons blood.
Inuyasha could smell Sesshomaru up ahead. He moved a little faster to catch up with his big brother pouncing from tree to tree. He fell in beside Sesshomaru, running to keep up with the floating demon. "Hey there big brother, I see you caught the scent too."
"Of course Inuyasha, my nose is far more sensitive then yours." Just as he had said, Inuyasha had come to deal with the demons alone. Kagome and Shippo were no where in the vicinity.
Inuyasha sniffed at Sesshomaru, his eyes widened a little. "You sure you're up for this today?" Inuyasha tested. "Smells like Misha kept you pretty busy last night, or was it this morning?"
Of course the hanyou could smell Misha on him. "Not that it's any of your business, but both actually." Sesshomaru almost smiled as Inuyasha faltered beside him and nearly went sprawling.
Jaken could contain himself no more and he giggled out loud. "Lord Sesshomaru! Such a virile man you are me lord!"
Inuyasha was still running, managing to keep up to his brother on legs that were slightly numb. He was stunned. Inuyasha had been able to sense the emotions flowing between Sesshomaru and Misha were tense, but, "You… with a mortal! Sesshomaru, what have you done? I told you not to toy with humans emotions!"
Sesshomaru lifted a hand and silenced his brother. "I have taken Misha and Rin unto me as my family Inuyasha. Is it so hard for you who is married to a mortal and father to an orphan yourself to understand my desire to have them at my side? I should not have to explain myself to you little brother."
Of course Inuyasha could understand wanting to have Kagome and Shippo with him, under has watchful, loving eye, but this was Sesshomaru with these feelings! The idea that big brother even had emotions other then irritated and homicidal was amazing itself. He shook his head trying to let it all sink in. So they had both followed their father after all. He looked at Sesshomaru sidelong. "The part I can't understand is you," he grunted in his defense. "I thought you were gonna set that woman straight. I wasn't expecting…this, not from a guy like you." Sesshomaru seemed to be content to let it drop at that, but Inuyasha's mind still worked. "Tenseiga," he mumbled. "That's why our father left you Tenseiga. Tenseiga gave you the power to bring Rin and Misha to you, but you're the one who chose to revive them. You needed to feel something for them, even then. I know that you're not totally without compassion." His hand fell to Tetsusaiga's hilt. "I guess I'm just surprised that you've changed so much. I wonder what our father would think of us now, eh brother?"
Sesshomaru thought about his father, about the way the great demon had died. Sesshomaru realized that he would surrender his own life to protect Rin and Misha without a moment's hesitation. Perhaps that was the lesson his father had wanted him to learn; to love someone so much that even his own life was second to their needs, their safety. Father, there is something I want to protect Sesshomaru thought he may never call Tenseiga a worthless sword again. "I think our father would be pleased. The swords he left for each of us have completed his tutelage in his stead. He can rest in his grave knowing that this land is in competent hands."
Inuyasha cut his eyes ahead. Azuki's scent was getting stronger. The demon was still ahead of them, but his scent wasn't moving. He was probably hiding somewhere in the cliffs ahead. The place was riddled with caves, Azuki and Odoku could be recovering from Bakuryuuha in any one of them. If Inuyasha could back them into a cave he could finish them both with the windscar. "Then there's just this little piece of business to take care of and then its home in time for dinner," Inuyasha growled.
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the cliffs in the distance. "My sentiments exactly."
6
Azuki stood at the mouth of the cave looking out at the distant forest. It would be likely that the sons of InuTaisho would come from that direction, but the wind was not working in Azuki's favor. If anything, his scent would be carried on the wind to the forest. He was still aching from the Tetsiseiga's blast; however, Odoku was in worse shape then he was. The demon still had deep gashes all over his body, some of them were still weeping. Azuki could smell sickness and death coming from his servant. It was as if he weren't even allowing his body to heal. Odoku lay against the wall of the cave curled into a ball dozing in and out. Sometimes he would speak and it would make sense, other times he rambled words mindlessly at Azuki. He wasn't sure Odoku would do him much good in a fight, Azuki was sure the demon had finally snapped. Odoku had gone completely insane.
They were up high enough in the cliffs that it would at least be a challenge for the brothers to reach them. Azuki had no intention of dieing in this cave either. He would have to be quick to disable the Tetsuseaiga and then he would have to duel with Sesshomaru. Azuki narrowed his eyes staring out past the cliffs to the patch of green woods. "Sesshomaru," he growled. "Why did InuTaisho pass on these lands to such a spoiled brat? I may have hated your father, but I never thought of killing him for his swords. To leave a sword as great as Tetsusaiga to a hanyou." Azuki's right hand clenched tightly into a fist. "Look at what you have done Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. You have involved yourself with the mortal world just like InuTaisho! None of you are worthy to rule the clan or be lord of these lands!"
"Huh!" Odoku answered from behind Lord Azuki.
Azuki turned to Odoku. He looked lucid, for the time being. "Odoku, can you bring me a wind from that forest there." Azuki pointed to make himself perfectly clear.
"Huh!" Odoku got to his feet. It hurt to stand, he felt cut up everywhere. But not as cut up as Tomei I still have my head He staggered toward the mouth of the cave and swept a hand in the general direction of the woods. "Come to me," he hissed.
Azuki ignored Odoku for the moment and concentrated on the scents Odoku's wind was bringing toward them. After a few minutes he could smell them. "Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. So then, they are coming." He cut his eyes over to Odoku. He was pleasantly surprised to see the eager hate on the other demons face. "You wish to kill them Odoku?"
Odoku started to drool as he stared out over the plateau. "Oh yes Lord Azuki. Their heads will roll, just like my brothers, just like Tomei's."
7
The brothers noticed the shift in the wind immediately. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes at the cliffs ahead. "So, they know were coming."
Inuyasha clutched Tetsusaiga's hilt and picked up the pace. "Good, then they can prepare to die!"
The sons of InuTaisho broke clear of the forest and sped across the plateau. Azuki watched them coming from the mouth of the cave. Odoku had secluded himself elsewhere in order to give the brothers a proper greeting. While the idiot hanyou had his hands full with Odoku's hoard, Azuki would take care of Sesshomaru once and for all. He would offer the demon's head to Odoku to honor his brother. Tomei had been loyal to Azuki for centuries; it pained him to lose such a commerade. "You will die like dogs, a slave to the world of men just like your father. The clan will not lose the western lands to the mortals that you have chosen over your own kind! I will not allow it!" Azuki drew his sword and fed it with power. "I will slay the worthless sons of a worthless demon!"
They had made it across the plateau. Odoku's scent seemed to be coming from everywhere above them, but it was not Odoku that Sesshomaru sought out. He could feel Azuki feeding his demon energy into his sword up and to the left. Sesshomaru shook Jaken loose and left the little ghoul rolling in the grassy field. He ascended focusing on Azuki's sent and aura, letting his hand go to Tokijin's hilt.
Inuyasha saw Sesshomaru drop Jaken and go charging upward. Suddenly the cliffs above seemed to darken. Inuyasha stared up letting his nose confirm what his unbelieving eyes were seeing. Hoards of demons had begun to pour from the mouth of one cave after another. The hoards rushed down the face of the cliff to attack Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. Inuyasha drew Tetsusaiga. "Shit! There are so many of them!"
There were too many demons around him to even count. Sesshomaru unsheathed Tokijin and cleared the path in front of him. Above the hoard on top of a cliff Azuki had come out of hiding. A hoard circled below him, but they would not stop Sesshomaru. Now that Azuki was in his sight, Sesshomaru meant to kill him. With a stroke of his sword the demons between Sesshomaru and Azuki shattered. Sesshomaru propelled himself upward and landed on top of the cliff in front of Azuki. He wasted no words and charged right at him.
Azuki raised his sword and clashed with Sesshomaru. Their demon auras kicked up the dust and wind around them. "Sesshomaru you bastard! I will not lose to you!"
Sesshomaru grit his teeth letting more of his power flow into his sword. The clash of power between them generated a lightning storm of demon energies. "Your treachery will not be forgiven Azuki!"
Azuki fueled his own sword. Soon the force of the energy would crumble the cliff they stood on. "My treachery? What of your betrayal to your own kind brat prince? Did you think I would not smell that mortal woman on you? Your virgin? You lay with that bitch only hours ago, a human woman and I'm the traitor?"
Sesshomaru pushed his aura forward, furious. "Deme!" The cliff shook violently below their feet, crumbling into the valley below. Sesshomaru jumped back fending off lesser demons with quick swipes of his sword. He landed on solid ground atop another cliff and searched for Azuki in the settling dust.
"Windscar!" Inuyasha sent another blast at the advancing army of demons. He was surrounded and the sky was thick with more coming at him. He had to find the source of this summoning, Odoku. If he could kill him, the hoards would stop coming. Odoku's scent seemed to be coming from everywhere. Demons poured from the caves above. He was defiantly on the move and up in the cliffs where Sesshomaru and Azuki dueled. Through the cloud of demons Inuyasha saw the cliff the demons had been standing on shatter with the force of their energies. Going up into the cliffs to find Odoku would be dangerous, it was easier to take care of the hoard on the ground, but standing here shooting off wind scars was getting him nowhere fast. "Odoku you bastard! Where the hell are you!" Inuyasha charged at the cliffs letting Tetsusaiga clear his path.
Odoku watched the whelp coming. It was Inuyasha's fault that Tomei was dead too. Tomei's guard had been down when he was stabbing Inuyasha, so yes, it was Inuyasha's fault as well that Tomei was killed. Odoku had wanted to finish Sesshomaru himself, but Lord Azuki wanted to fight him. The master promised to bring him Sesshomaru's head. That was almost good enough. After the sons of filth were dead, Odoku would follow their back trail and go slaughter their mortals. Perhaps he would bring back that bitch that bit his master alive so that Lord Azuki could finish her himself. Then Odoku would eat her. But for now, there was this little matter of the filthy half breed. The pleasant murders would have to wait until Odoku was finished here first. Odoku grinned at the charging hanyou. "Kaze no hanso!" A second later he was diving through the sky with his sword ready to take Inuyasha's head… just like Tomei.
Azuki glared at Sesshomaru. They stood on separate cliffs, but they were close enough to fight. "You cannot defeat me Sesshomaru. I will not allow such a thing to happen. Neither your father nor his sons are fit to rule these lands. You have soiled yourselves with human filth! You create filthy hanyou's thinning your noble demon blood! You have surrendered yourselves to the world of men. I will not allow such disgraceful demons to rule the western lands!" He charged the brat prince again. The force of their clash sent them both over the edge of the cliff Sesshomaru had been standing on.
Sesshomaru held Azuki at bay with Tokijin as they began to free fall. "My mortals are not filth," he growled letting his senses find a good place to land.
"You've turned your virgin into your whore, sounds pretty filthy to me you dirty little bastard!" Azuki pushed away from Sesshomaru and swung his sword sending a blast of energy after the demon. Sesshomaru swung his own sword to repel the blast as Azuki landed on another small cliff head.
Inuyasha looked up to see Odoku almost on him. He raised Tetsusaiga and Odoku bounced away. He chased the laughing demon up the face of the cliff. "Odoku you bastard! Fight me!" They made it to the top and Inuyasha took a fighting stance as he glared at Odoku. The crazy bastard was drooling and laughing. A hoard was gathering around them. He didn't want to take his eyes off the demon, but the hoard was closing in. The hanyou turned a half circle and released the windscar on the hoard trying to sneak up behind him. He turned back to Odoku just in time to block his swing.
Odoku giggled. "Come now filthy little hanyou, you didn't think my hoard would be content to be just spectators did you? No, they crave your flesh, they want to eat you!"
Inuyasha pushed Odoku back. The demon smelled foul, sick and insane. The hoard kept advancing. ""Nobody's eating me! Windscar!" Inuyasha saw Odoku lift himself high above the blast laughing like a loon. The windscar was cleaning up some of the lesser demons though. The path to Odoku was open and Inuyasha took advantage. He swung Tetsusaiga again aiming for Odoku.
Sesshomaru was furious. He landed on a cluster of rock and glared up at Azuki. The demon had been increasing the power he fed into his sword; Sesshomaru fed Tokijin to keep up. Azuki was powerful, perhaps even in his prime. It was a fight worthy of Sesshomaru. "The western lands are mine and I will not surrender them to you." Sesshomaru pounced at Azuki meeting him at the head of the cliff. The clash of powerful auras crumbled the ground beneath them. Sesshomaru leapt back and swung Tokijin again sending a powerful blast down on Azuki.
Odoku skirted the windscar and got behind the hanyou. Inuyasha was too slow to defeat him; his windscar could not catch him. He cackled wildly as he dropped from the sky like a bullet. His sword ran through the surprised looking hanyou, Odoku kept pushing until his hand was inside Inuyasha. "Die filthy half breed!" he growled letting go of his sword and reaching for the hanyou's heart.
Inuyasha choked on the pain. There was no time to think. In seconds this crazy drooling bastard would squeeze his heart to a pulp. Gasping for air he reached behind him and grabbed hold of Odoku's face. He threw the demon as hard as he could from behind and felt Odoku's hand leave his body. Inuyasha turned quickly; the pain in his chest was worse then fire. With his left hand he pulled Odoku's sword from his body, spitting up blood. Inuyasha wavered as the hilt came through. With the sword out of his body he fell to one knee struggling to breath. "De…me…" Inuyasha choked and coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Odoku laughed hysterically. The hanyou was almost dead. He lighted on the ground a few paces ahead of the filthy half breed. "You don't know your place do you hanyou? A real demon is too much for you." He glared down at the wounded son of filth. "And now you die. Kaze no kattingu!" The wind swirled around Odoku blending with his demon aura. He lifted his palm first to the sky and then aimed at it at Inuyasha. "Die!"
Inuyasha felt about half dead and if this wind attack Odoku was throwing his way were to hit him, it would be lights out for sure. "Shit!" Inuyasha got to his feet and lifted Tetsusaiga as he felt the first stinging slices of the demon wind. "Bakuryuuha!" he greeted the blast.
Odoku watched stunned as his kaze no kittingu collided with the energy the half breed threw from InuTaisho's sword. Not only did his attack not hit the hanyou, but it was coming back at him amplified by Tetsusaiga's power. There was no way to avoid the direct attack. "Kaze no shi rudo!" he commanded the wind to create a barrier around him, to protect him from Bakuryuuha like he had for his master back at the castle.
"Oh no you don't!" Inuyasha roared, "Kongousouha!" A rain of diamond spears rushed at Odoku and destroyed his barrier. A second later the demon was caught up in the tornadoes of the Bakuryuuha. Odoku didn't scream as he died, but Inuyasha thought he heard him call out to his brother. Inuyasha fell to his knees looking for his own sibling in the dust. The hoard seemed to be dispersing now that their master was gone, but Inuyasha figured he had better clean them up before they got too far. Yeah… after I catch my fuckin breath here. His eyes found Sesshomaru locked in a duel with Azuki. Their clash kicked up a thunder storm around them. Even from a distance Inuyasha could feel the power.
"InuTaisho chose to become involved in the world of men! He lay with a mortal and created a hanyou! You and that hanyou brother of yours are doing just as InuTaisho did! Our kind will vanish from the world if such disgraceful behavior is allowed to continue!" Azuki bellowed at Sesshomaru as he held off Tokijin with his own failing strength. "Will you thin your blood as well creating a hanyou with that bitch Sesshomaru? Will you surrender all of your demon pride to worthless humans!"
Sesshomaru growled at Azuki. He understood the demons point, his own view towards mortals wasn't all that different, but Rin and Misha were not in the same class as the human masses. They were his family, his child and his wife. "Stop calling her a bitch!" he screamed in Azuki's face. The force of their energies caused an explosion and both demons jumped back. Sesshomaru saw Azuki land not far from him. The demon was tiring. Now would be the best time to finish him off. Sesshomaru charged forward and pointed Tokijin at Azuki. He felt the blade hit the mark, piercing Azuki's heart. As he sunk Tokijin into Azuki, Sesshomaru felt the stab of Azuki's sword as it pierced his armor narrowly missing his own heart. Rage took over and Sesshomaru fed the full force of his aura into Tokijin. Azuki had the same idea and was making his own move.
"I will not lose to filth!" Azuki wailed in pain. He would let his energy destroy Sesshomaru from the inside out.
"It is you who is filth!" Sesshomaru let the energy loose drawing his sword up through Azuki's body as he released. The top half of the dog demon exploded and his lower half fell to the ground at Sesshomaru's feet. Sesshomaru shook the blood from his sword and re-sheathed it trying to bring himself back under control. It was over, Azuki was dead. He reached up and pulled Azuki's sword from his chest and let if fall on his remains. "I am Lord Sesshomaru, ruler of these western lands. No one tells me what to do."
Still clutching his chest, Inuyasha finished off the hoard with one last windscar. With the demons gone, he let himself fall over. He lay on his back looking up at the sky. The dust of ruined cliffs was still settling around him when Sesshomaru appeared, standing over him. "Eh brother," Inuyasha greeted.
"I see you managed to survive Inuyasha," Sesshomaru said looking his younger brother over. The wound in his chest was far worse then the scratch Azuki had given Sesshomaru. "Odoku?"
Inuyasha sat up grimacing. "I took care of that crazy fuck don't worry. Odoku is dead."
"Azuki has been slain as well. It appears that the threat to father's territory has been dealt with." He smelled Inuyasha again to be sure. Wounded, but nowhere near death. He would recover just fine. "Well then," Sesshomaru turned on his heel and started away from his younger brother.
"Hey, wait a minute Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha scrambled to his feet. "You just gonna leave me here to die or what?"
Sesshomaru sighed and let himself relax. He slowed his pace so his injured brother could catch up. "You're fine Inuyasha. Wasn't it you that wanted to be home in time for dinner with your family?"
Inuyasha grabbed Sesshomaru's arm and halted the demon. "Wait a minute Sesshomaru." He looked his brother up and down. He was slightly battle damaged, but no worse for the ware.
Sesshomaru halted and faced Inuyasha. "You do not need to be concerned Inuyasha, I am unharmed."
"Keh! You're the only guy I know that calls being stabbed "unharmed"." He let his hand fall away from Sesshomaru and brought it up to cover the hole in his chest. "Are these guys really gone? They all dead now?"
Sesshomaru nodded. It was odd sensing the concern coming from his little brother. "Yes Inuyasha, they are all dead now. Father's territory is safe and I shall keep it so."
Inuyasha took a deep breath. It hurt, but he felt the relief in his chest just the same. The demon threat had been eliminated. He sighed tiredly. "Okay. Good then."
Sesshomaru stared at Inuyasha. Clearly there was more then dead demons on his mind. Sesshomaru was tired from battle; Azuki had put up one hell of a fight. Getting home sounded good right now, perhaps he would let Misha tend to his insignificant wounds. "What is it Inuyasha? Something is bothering you?"
Inuyasha's eyes swept the cliffs their battle had destroyed. "They thought father was weak because of the way he felt about mortals, about my mother… and for creating me. The thinning of demon blood, humans and other demons hunting each other…"
"Do not concern yourself with such petty things. All you need to worry about is staying alive and protecting the ones you love." It was a hard lesson learned, but Sesshomaru did not regret his decision to make Rin and Misha the family he loved and wanted to protect.
Inuyasha blinked at Sesshomaru. His brother's actions, words and new feelings were still shocking to the hanyou. "What about you Sesshomaru? You really love those humans of yours? Can you really love a mortal family?"
Sesshomaru let his eyes fix on Inuyasha's. He couldn't blame him for being surprised or suspicious. "I love them now little brother and that shall not change. I will provide both Rin and Misha with the best life that I can. They shall never know suffering or fear or the hardships of mortal life. Misha has come to me as my wife and Rin is our child. Our lives together will be a happy one."
For a while Inuyasha just stared, smelling his brother's emotions. Finally he smiled and slapped Sesshomaru on the shoulder. "Keh! At least your wife don't nag ya much," he laughed a little as he started to walk beside his brother. Sesshomaru stepped beside him not even making a move to nock Inuyasha's hand away. Inuyasha's smile broadened. His brother really had changed. "Kagome is probably gonna yell at me for getting blood all over my shirt. I bet Misha doesn't yell at you like that eh?"
Sesshomaru walked close with his brother, feeling their similar natures entwine around them. "I dare say Misha is a far more accommodating person then Kagome. Does she govern your family or do you little brother?" he teased some.
Inuyasha laughed. He had never been with his brother like this, it was nice. "Keh! I'm the man of my family! A piece of advice brother," Inuyasha teased back. "Wait till the kid is asleep before ya go jumpin' your woman. Shippo woke up once and thought I was hurting Kagome!" Even though it hurt to laugh, Inuyasha couldn't help it. Sesshomaru didn't even seem to mind that he was leaning on him a little.
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes over to Inuyasha. He had a goofy smile and a raunchy sense of humor, but the bloody, tough hanyou was still his brother. "I see, degenerate as always little brother." Sesshomaru looked back at the plateau and his eyes found Jaken rushing to meet them. Inuyasha chuckled in his ear. "Come Inuyasha, it's time to go home."
The End
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